Using iPad to connect to LCD Projection

I have created a basic slideshow for my parents 50th anniversary. Plays well on laptop, iPad and iPhone 5s.

Wanted to use it on a cruise in 2 weeks. We've reserved the ship's conference room to have a small party. They tell me there is a projection screen in place that has a VGA connection.

I'd prefer to not travel with my laptop. Is there an adapter that will work? If so, is it just a generic adapter or do I need to know make/model of the system on-board? Finally, will I have any issues or lose any quality by doing this from iDevices vs laptop?

TIA

You need:

- An adapter/dongle coming out of the iPad

- the type you need depends on the video (and audio) input of the cruise ship monitor. It could be HDMI (audio and video - you'll need to adjust the audio output in iPad settings once plugged in).

OR, if its a projector it could be a 10-pin cable. This is usually video only. Sometimes it is accompnied by a 1/8" stereo jack (audio) that plugs right into the headphone jack on iPad.

Okay. Sound would be good but not end of world. I have just one song (The Way We Were) which I could play on a Bluetooth speaker if need be.

But your response makes me think I need to ask for specifics on make/ model so hopefully they can provide. It's a land based person communicating with a ship based person so it's not a quick communication or 100% reliable.

Thanks

The ship is the brand new Anthem of the Seas so I am assuming it is a very updated system as it was just built and it says technology is one of its strong points

conandrob240 said:
The ship is the brand new Anthem of the Seas so I am assuming it is a very updated system as it was just built and it says technology is one of its strong points

VGA is certainly not 'the latest technology', the sensible thing would be HDMI ports, they may have both Generally a business conference room would have both these days. HDMI is current, and VGA is sort of the lowest common denominator and still hangs around. HDMI will include audio and should have a clearer picture as it's a digital signal. For something that's sounds like it's likely a slideshow of scanned images the difference in quality probably won't be much.

Either way, you'll need an adapter. If you have an older iPad you'd have a 30-pin port and if it's newer you'll have a Lightning port. Expect to pay about $50 for an adapter.

Most laptops these days would need an adapter for VGA as they generally have a mini-DP port. Some have HDMI ports as well. Would depend on the vintage of laptops, but it's been uncommon for them to have VGA ports for the past few years unless they are of the especially large variety.

Lets start with basics

a projection screen does not have a connection. It is a screen. The projector will have inputs and it depends on what it has. You said that they have a VGA input. This is common from a laptop.

For the Ipad they do make a connector to VGA just be sure that you get the correct connector for your Ipad that depends on how new your device is. does it have a Lightning port or the older 30 pin. Best Buy may be able to help.

If you are connecting to a video screen (TV) then there are several ports that may be available.

HDMI, VGA, or display.

check again to see what they have. also where will you be plugging in. will you need a cable from the adapter to reach the port of the projector or TV. this could be a wall plate or right on the device. you don't want your pad hanging from the wall on a short adapter cable.

If the ship is really up to date then they should have what you need. See if you can get the email address of the on board Tech for the conference rooms. that person will know for sure what they have and what can be done.

Do not rely on the main office to know.

You really do not need to know the specific type of projector or TV just what ports it has.

There are only a few projectors (old) that did not play nice with some laptops.

good luck and if you can do a dry run the day before just in case. I would also put it on a flash drive just in case you wind up with a laptop.

here's the answer: INFOCUS Model IN3138HD

I have an older iPad and a new iPhone so Id just have to decide which adapter to order depending on which I want to use.

I can do all the dry runs I want but I'll be on a ship so if it doesn't work with the iPad, I am out of luck to go home and get my laptop. My laptop is about 4 yrs old. But my whole point was that I don't want to bring my laptop. I want to just use the iPad or iPhone I'll already be taking with me. If this is fairly simple with the adapter, I am okay. If you are saying it doesn't always work with an iPad and a laptop would be much better, I'll reconsider.

Yes, a slideshow of scanned old photos. No need for a perfect picture. It's just for our family to enjoy during a little cocktail party. A chance to dress up, toast the couple, decorate a room and if I have some photos that'll make them happy in the background, they'll love that. If not, it won't be the end of the world either.

Thanks

As smhollow says, bring a thumb drive as a backup. I am sure the ship's personnel would be able to rustle up a laptop if push came to shove.

Money spent on the HDMI adapter would be better spent than on a VGA adapter. VGA has a lower quality signal. You can also test it on a TV here before you hit the waves.

The only concern would be that if the projector is stuck in the roof then you won't actually have access to it - or you might need a ladder to plug something in.

I wouldn't expect the iPad to fail at any higher rate than a laptop. Just take the iPad.

? If she tells me it's VGA, why would I buy an HDMI adapter? You lost me on that one.

Yes, I'll als place on a thumb drive. I created it in an app Smilebox so I should also be able retrieve it that way.

2 thoughts: Next departure of that ship is Nov. 10 form NJ. Can you visit to get an answer directly? There's a club of loyal passengers- the anchor & ...? Asking for their help may get you the best answer quickly.

G L

I have asked but since they don't get back until day we leave, I may not get a 100% answer. And even as a Travel Agent, I can't get onboard for a tour since the ship just arrived in NJ yesterday and this next few days is all press and writers.

Beyond what I've posted, what else do I need to know? The contact was quite helpful so I can ask more Qs.

You could probably run it off the iPhone.

Here are the inputs for the projector they offer: VGA x 2, HDMI 1.4a, DisplayPort, S-Video, Composite video, RCA stereo audio in (L/R), 3.5mm stereo audio in, VGA out, 3.5mm stereo audio out, RS-232, 12V screen controller, RJ45/LAN. Crazy right? But it gives you a lot of options.

If I was you, I'd get the following:

This cable to connect your older iPad to a VGA cable to the projector above (look at the picture, and see if the connector looks like the cable you use to charge your iPad): http://www.apple.com/shop/product/MC552AM/B/apple-vga-adapter?fnode=85

If you use the above adapter, this cable http://amzn.com/B00KWR8Q9S can connect the headset plug of the iPad to the projector to allow sound to play. Or you can just use your Bluetooth speakers.

This cable to connect your iPad to an HDMI cable to the projector: http://www.apple.com/shop/product/MD098AM/A/apple-digital-av-adapter?fnode=85 (the nice thing about this is you can keep the iPad connected to the charger as well as the projector). You'll want to test if your Bluetooth speakers will work if the HDMI cable is connected, since HDMI also usually carries the sound.

An inexpensive VGA cable like this one: http://amzn.com/B00PML3AN6 (they make a shorter one but it's out of stock). Try to get on online, since if you go to Best Buy, Staples or someplace similar to get one they will probably charge you one (1) arm and one (1) leg. You seem to have time to get it

An inexpensive HDMI cable like this one: http://amzn.com/B003L1ZYYW (see my comments above about Best Buy.)

I think if you have these four things you should be confident you can connect the projector to your iPad. The cruise ship may have the connector cables, but by spending ~$20 you'll have a little piece of mind that if they don't you will be able to complete the connection. You can also keep all this stuff in it's packaging and return it if the cruise ship has everything you need.

You'll also have two options for connecting (HDMI and VGA) in case one doesn't work. I wouldn't count on the cruise ship to have everything you need or the staff to be able to locate it.

this is all very helpful. I get it now. I'll buy what I need to get prepared. I think the ship does have high- speed internet. I think it is the first one to have it.

Thank you very much

you'll need this! Lightening to HDMI.

So lightning to HDMI or lightning to VGA? Still confused a little

What does your charger cable look like?

? what does that have to do with it? For my iPad it's the old prong plug and for my iPhone it's a lightning connection. I understand that part and know which one to get for which device.

It's the VGA vs the HDMI recommendations that are confusing me. I need one adapter- either VGA or HDmI right? The contact told me VGA but when I look at the specs is says VGA. HDMI and even USB ( which I assume means I'll be able to stick a thumb drive right into the projector)

The charging port is where you connect the video output adapter. Peteglider recommended an adapter that will not work with your iPad.

If you are planning to use your iPad with the old style connector, the adapters and cables in my long post earlier will give you two options to connect your iPad to the projector. Like I said it's what I would get if I was in your shoes. I like having a backup plan and i have been at a number of meetings where displaying something on a video projector was crucial and didn't work.

ugh. Why can't this be simple? I understand the connection to my device. I understand petegliders recommendation is ok for my iPhone but I'd need a different adapter if it's my original pronged iPad.

What I want clarity on is whether I should buy a VGA or HDMI adaptor? I am planning to buy one not both. And I am definitely not buying four things that you listed above! I don't want to spend $100 on this little project. I'd like to know which one to buy if you were buying one- VGA or HDMI. My backup will be a USB stick

http://learninginhand.com/blog/2013/10/5/which-adapter-do-i-need-to-mirror-my-ipad

Go to the Apple store - they should be able to help you.

Ok i get it.

If I had to pick one I would get the old style iPad to VGA adapter. The cruise line specifically said VGA so you can be confident they have the stuff to complete the connection. I have used that adapter and I think the picture quality is just fine. It's the less expensive option.

I actually have one I could loan you depending on your timeframe and how to pass it off. Are you in SOMa?

It may be worth your while to try and scrounge a VGA cable (male to male) so you know you have everything you need to connect to their projector. This cable would have been used to connect many PCs to their monitors from the 90s to just a few years ago. If you know anyone with a bunch of old cables they might have one. From your original post this is probably unnecessary but it never hurts to be over prepared.

thank you mrincredible. We are in Westfield now but may drive through SO over the weekend. I'd need to borrow until 12/5 so it's probably easier for me to just order. But thank you!

this worked great today with the VGA cable. Thanks so much!